Over the years, we have tried a bunch of different solutions to prevent our shower and bathtub drains from clogging. We’ve tried all different styles of hair catchers, and none of them seem that great. If the holes are small enough to catch all the hair, then they quickly clog up with lint and soap scum. Concave designs with suctions to keep them in place never seem to stay suctioned.

No matter what the drain catcher, we periodically end up plunging the shower drain. Eventually that doesn’t do the trick, and we resort to pouring chemicals down the drain. We’ve tried “bio-enzyme” solutions that claim to be better on the environment and when those don’t work, follow it up with industrial strength Drano. Despite all these measures, the drain needs attention after just another month.(more…)

Franci got a super cute apron for Christmas, but she hasn’t had a chance to use it. I have yet to include her in any of my cooking or baking until now, because she’s not even two yet. After seeing a few holiday pictures of other toddlers helping their moms cook, I began to wonder what I was waiting for. She knows how to follow directions and loves to help with other house work. I’m sure she will be able to help pour ingredients into a bowl, even if she can’t yet stir them in.(more…)

I’ve always been a bigger fan of “Reusing” than “Reducing” and “Recycling”. I’m not the only thriftstore bargin hunter and garage-salers at The Green Baby Guide, so I combed through the archives for the best posts on used baby gear.

There are a few obvious ways to green your back-to-school shopping, like reusing backpacks, binders and folders from last year. How about hitting up the local thrift store for office supplies? While you’re there, check out the shoes and clothing too.

Speaking of shoes and clothes, why not organize a swap with your friends and neighbors? Have everyone bring clean and un-stained clothes and shoes their kids have grown out of (or are tired or wearing) and exchange them for new-to-you items. Preferably over a glass of wine.

I love being surrounded by living things, so we have always had a lot of house plants. In my opinion, you can never have too many. It turns out that there is more to having house plants than enjoying their greenery year round.

In 1989, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America did a two-year study that proved indoor plants are successful at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. You can read a good summary of the study here. The house plants most effective at removing these chemicals are Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Dragon Tree, Corn Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Chrysanthemum and Peace Lily. These are all easily found, often at the grocery store or hardware store, if you’re too busy to make an extra trip to a nursery.(more…)

My daughter has had four cavities in her four short years of life. How is this possible? I can’t say we’re religious flossers, but the rest of our dental routine is pretty admirable. Regular brushing? Yep. Fluoride tablets? Absolutely. Hard candies? Not allowed.

According to our dentist, my daughter’s tooth decay could have been caused by extended breastfeeding. She pointed out that once solids are introduced, bacteria in the mouth can change and breast milk can actually cause cavities.
After doing a bit of my own research though, I have to disagree. Repeated studies have shown that breast milk has proteins and antibacterial qualities that prevent tooth decay. My older son was also breastfed until well over two years old and has never had a cavity to this day.(more…)